Rocket Lab has developed the hypersonic HASTE rocket for suborbital launches

While the US Department of Defence is working on hypersonic weapons, Rocket Lab offers suborbital hypersonic launch services. A modification of the Electron rocket has been developed for this purpose. It is called the Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron (HASTE).

Here's What We Know

Rocket Lab promises to begin providing hypersonic launch services by the end of June 2023. The HASTE rocket is now at the company's spaceport in Virginia and is preparing for its first launch.

Rocket Lab has signed a contract with a "confidential customer" to use HASTE. It is the one that will allow the hypersonic rocket to make its debut.

Needless to say, the company's successes have not gone unnoticed by the US Department of Defense. Dynetics has engaged Rocket Lab in a hypersonic test launch under contract with the Pentagon. The Defence Innovation Division is also interested in identical capabilities.

In addition, Rocket Lab will use the hypersonic HASTE rocket to test various payloads. The company signed a contract to that effect with the US Missile Defence Agency.

Source: Rocket Lab